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Archivist's Choice
Best Laid Plans
Elaine Raco Chase (1983)
Genre
Romance
Reading Time
12 Minutes
Key Themes
See below
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In 1980s New Orleans, a successful fashion designer must choose between the excitement of a new lover and the unexpected romantic potential of her long-time friend-with-benefits.
Synopsis
Amanda Wyatt, a successful fashion designer and boutique owner in 1983 New Orleans, has meticulously planned her life, including an eight-year career trajectory she's already surpassed. Her long-standing, 'friends with benefits' relationship with her lawyer, Lucas Crosse, has been a comfortable constant, though Lucas now desires more than just friendship. Their dynamic is complicated by the sudden appearance of Wade Lloyd, who enters Amanda's life by chance and quickly aims to become a permanent fixture. Amanda finds herself at a crossroads, forced to choose between the thrilling, unexpected new love Wade offers and the deepening, familiar connection she shares with Lucas, who has been a brother-figure for over a decade but now openly yearns for a romantic future.
Difficulty
Easy
Pacing
Moderate
Mood
Sensuous, Romantic, Nostalgic, Conflicted, Engaging
Plot Summary
A Life of Design and Plans
Amanda Wyatt, a successful fashion designer, has an eight-year plan for her life and career. She owns a boutique in New Orleans, where her designs are popular. Her life shows her ambition and organizational skills, leaving little room for spontaneity. She values control and predictability. This establishes Amanda as a strong, independent woman who believes in shaping her own destiny.
Lucas Crosse: Friend, Lawyer, and More
Lucas Crosse has been Amanda's lawyer and closest friend for twelve years. Their connection is deep, built on mutual respect and shared experiences, and includes a 'friends with benefits' arrangement. Lucas has always been reliable. Recently, Lucas decided he no longer wants to be just a friend. He wants a romantic relationship with Amanda and is prepared to fight for her, which complicates their established dynamic.
An Accidental Encounter with Wade Lloyd
While traveling, Amanda meets Wade Lloyd. Their meeting is captivating, drawing Amanda into an unexpected flirtation. Wade is charming, spontaneous, and contrasts with Amanda's structured life. He is intrigued by her success and independence, and quickly makes it clear he wants to be in her life. This encounter introduces a new, unpredictable element into Amanda's carefully ordered world.
The Airplane Incident
During a flight, Amanda sits next to a nun. This interaction becomes memorable and humorous, creating an unexpected bond. The nun's wisdom offers Amanda a unique perspective or a moment of levity amidst her romantic entanglements. This scene highlights Amanda's human side and her ability to connect with others, adding a touch of lightheartedness.
Wade's Pursuit and Concerns
Wade Lloyd pursues Amanda, his charm and attentiveness making a strong impression. He is clearly enamored with her, but as their relationship deepens, questions arise about his ability to handle Amanda's successful and independent lifestyle. Her career demands, strong personality, and friendship with Lucas Crosse begin to challenge Wade. He struggles with sharing Amanda's attention and her past, leading to tension.
Lucas's Declaration and Conflict
Witnessing Wade's growing presence, Lucas Crosse confronts Amanda. He drops his 'brotherly' facade and declares his romantic feelings for her. He confesses his desire for a serious relationship beyond their 'friends with benefits' arrangement. This declaration throws Amanda into emotional turmoil, as she must now confront her feelings for Lucas and weigh them against the newness of Wade.
Amanda's Dilemma: Past vs. Present
Amanda is at a crossroads, caught between two compelling men. Lucas represents stability, deep understanding, and a shared history. Wade embodies newness, excitement, and a fresh start. Amanda struggles with choosing one, as both options present significant changes to her planned life. Her internal conflict intensifies as she grapples with her desires and what each man offers.
The Weight of Her Success
Amanda's professional success, a source of pride, becomes a factor in her romantic dilemma. She questions whether either man can truly handle her ambition, demanding career, and self-sufficient nature. She fears a partner might feel threatened by her achievements or expect her to compromise her professional life. This introspection highlights a common challenge for successful women.
Confronting Jealousy and Insecurities
As romantic tension escalates, both Lucas and Wade show signs of jealousy and insecurity. Wade struggles with the deep history between Amanda and Lucas. Lucas is threatened by Wade's sudden appearance and the excitement he brings to Amanda's life. These emotions force Amanda to confront the complexities of her connections with both men and the toll her indecision is taking.
Dreams and Desires
Amidst external pressures and the attention of Lucas and Wade, Amanda begins to look inward, acknowledging her own evolving dreams for a life partner. She questions if her planned life has overlooked the spontaneous joys and deeper emotional fulfillment she truly craves. She contemplates whether she wants a partner who fits into her existing structure or one who challenges her to grow.
The Climax of Choice
After much introspection and confrontations, Amanda finally makes a decision. The story builds to this moment as she weighs all factors: history, passion, security, independence, and her desires. The choice is difficult, as both men offer different futures. This climax involves a direct confrontation or a definitive statement from Amanda, solidifying her commitment to one man and letting the other go.
A New Chapter for Amanda
Having made her choice, Amanda begins to navigate this new chapter. This resolution explores the immediate aftermath of her decision, showing how she adapts to her chosen relationship and the implications for her personal and professional life. It emphasizes the peace or renewed energy she finds in her new direction. The ending reinforces Amanda's agency and self-discovery.
Principal Figures
Amanda Wyatt
The Protagonist
Amanda learns to surrender some of her meticulous control, acknowledging and embracing her deeper emotional desires beyond her carefully laid plans, ultimately choosing a partner who aligns with her heart.
Lucas Crosse
The Supporting (Love Interest)
Lucas moves from a passive 'friend with benefits' role to actively declaring his romantic intentions, pushing for a committed relationship with Amanda despite the risks.
Wade Lloyd
The Supporting (Love Interest)
Wade enters Amanda's life as a disruptive romantic force, challenging her existing relationships and forcing her to consider a future outside her comfort zone, while also revealing his own vulnerabilities.
Themes & Insights
Love vs. Friendship
This theme explores the blurred lines between deep friendship and romantic love, especially between Amanda and Lucas. It examines how a long-standing friendship, even with physical intimacy, can evolve into a desire for a committed romantic partnership. The novel contrasts the comfort of such a bond with the excitement of a new romance, forcing Amanda to weigh her past with Lucas against the possibilities presented by Wade.
“He knew her intimately - well almost. Now, he's decided he wants that, too. And he's ready to fight for Amanda.”
The Best Laid Plans
Central to the story is Amanda's planned life and how it is disrupted by unpredictable love. The theme highlights the tension between control and spontaneity, suggesting that even careful plans can be upended by unexpected emotions. Amanda's journey questions whether happiness can be engineered or if it arises from embracing the unforeseen, challenging her belief in total control.
“Amanda Wyatt – she had an eight year plan and accomplished so much more.”
Female Success and Relationships
The novel examines the challenges and perceptions surrounding a highly successful woman in romantic relationships. Amanda's professional achievements and independence are key to her identity, but they also become points of contention for her potential partners. This theme explores whether a man can truly 'handle' a woman's success, her strong personality, and her demanding career, without feeling threatened or expecting her to compromise.
“But can he handle her success? Can he handle Amanda?”
Choices and Consequences
This theme covers the significant decisions Amanda must make about her romantic future and their impact on her life. It explores the weight of choosing between two compelling but different paths, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. The story emphasizes that every choice, especially in matters of the heart, carries consequences that reshape one's present and future, forcing Amanda to confront her deepest desires.
“As for Amanda – she has choices to make. A new, exciting love? Or a best friend whose benefits she's begun to dream about.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
Love Triangle
A classic romantic dilemma involving three characters.
The central conflict of the novel is driven by a classic love triangle, with Amanda Wyatt at its apex, torn between Lucas Crosse and Wade Lloyd. This device creates inherent tension and allows for exploration of different types of love: the comfort and history of a long-standing bond (Lucas) versus the excitement and newness of a passionate, unexpected connection (Wade). It forces Amanda to confront her true desires and evaluate what she values most in a partner, escalating the emotional stakes and driving the narrative forward as she grapples with her decision.
Flashbacks/Shared History
References to Amanda and Lucas's twelve-year friendship.
While not explicitly described as formal flashbacks, the narrative frequently refers to the twelve-year history between Amanda and Lucas. This device highlights the depth and longevity of their relationship, providing context for their 'friends with benefits' arrangement and Lucas's eventual desire for more. It establishes a strong emotional foundation that contrasts sharply with the newness of Amanda's relationship with Wade, making Amanda's choice more complex. This shared history serves as a powerful anchor, influencing Amanda's decision-making process and emphasizing the weight of their past.
Symbolism of New Orleans
The vibrant, historic city as a backdrop for change.
New Orleans, with its unique blend of history, culture, and vibrant energy, serves as more than just a setting; it subtly symbolizes the unfolding changes in Amanda's life. The city's rich past and its capacity for spontaneous celebration reflect the tension between Amanda's planned life and the unexpected turns her heart takes. Before Katrina, New Orleans embodied a certain timeless charm and resilience, mirroring Amanda's own strength and her eventual embrace of a less predictable, more emotionally rich future, contrasting with her initial desire for rigid control.
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Key Questions (FAQ)
Best Laid Plans is a romance set in 1983 New Orleans. It follows Amanda Wyatt, a successful career woman with an eight-year plan, who finds herself torn between two men: her long-time friend with benefits and lawyer, Lucas Crosse, and the intriguing newcomer, Wade Lloyd. Amanda must make difficult choices about love and her future.
